11h • General discussion
Prepare yourself and others!!
EMERGENCY WINTER STORM PREPAREDNESS GUIDE
For Group Homes, Assisted Living, Room & Board, and Supportive Housing
Purpose:
To help you prepare now, maintain safety and continuity of care, and protect life, property, and operations during severe winter weather, ice storms, power outages, and staff shortages.
SECTION 1: WHAT TO DO TODAY (IMMEDIATE ACTION – NEXT 12–24 HOURS)
1. Conduct a Rapid Safety & Operations Check
• Confirm exact number of residents on-site
• Identify high-risk residents:
• Oxygen-dependent
• Diabetic
• Cardiac conditions
• Mobility impairments
• Behavioral or cognitive challenges
• Assign one staff lead or responsible adult per shift
• Print and keep a hard copy of:
• Resident roster
• Emergency contacts
• Medication list
• Diagnoses and allergies
• Physician and pharmacy numbers
2. Secure Power & Heat Continuity
• If you have a generator:
• Test it now
• Fuel it fully (minimum 72 hours)
• If no generator:
• Designate warm rooms
• Stock space heaters (used safely and monitored)
• Close unused rooms to conserve heat
• Identify backup relocation sites (church, partner home, hotel, warming center)
3. Prepare for Power & Water Outages
Stock at least 5–7 days of the following:
Power / Lighting
• Flashlights (not candles)
• Extra batteries
• Battery-powered lanterns
• Phone battery packs / power banks
Water
• 1 gallon per person per day minimum
• Extra water for hygiene and medications
Food
• Shelf-stable meals
• Easy-to-prepare foods (no stove required)
• Special diets accounted for (diabetic, low sodium, puree)
4. Medication & Medical Readiness
• Refill all medications immediately
• Prepare 7-day medication packets
• Secure:
• Insulin coolers
• Oxygen backup tanks
• Nebulizers (battery-powered if possible)
• Place medications in one centralized, temperature-safe location
SECTION 2: STAFFING CONTINGENCY PLAN (VERY IMPORTANT)
5. Assume Staff Will Be Limited
Plan as if:
• Roads are impassable
• Staff cannot arrive or leave
• You may need live-in coverage
Action Steps
• Ask available staff now who can stay overnight
• Arrange sleeping space for staff
• Provide meals and essentials for on-site staff
• Reduce non-essential activities to preserve energy
If no staff available
• Owner/administrator steps in temporarily
• Activate emergency caregiver agreements
• Call trusted family members or backup caregivers
SECTION 3: RESIDENT SAFETY & BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT
6. Reduce Anxiety & Confusion
• Explain the situation calmly in simple terms
• Maintain routine as much as possible
• Limit exposure to distressing news
• Use calming activities:
• Music
• Board games
• Movies
• Prayer, meditation, or quiet time
7. Fall & Injury Prevention
• Remove rugs and clutter
• Keep hallways well-lit
• Restrict unnecessary movement
• Encourage residents to stay in common areas
SECTION 4: COMMUNICATION & DOCUMENTATION
8. Establish Clear Communication
• Notify:
• Families
• Guardians
• Case managers
• Placement agencies
• Provide:
• Status updates
• Safety reassurance
• Emergency contact availability
Create One Central Communication Point
• One phone number
• One staff contact
• One update schedule (morning & evening)
9. Document Everything
• Staff attendance
• Medication administration
• Incident reports
• Power outages
• Behavioral changes
• Emergency actions taken
This protects:
• Residents
• Your license or business standing
• Legal and insurance interests
SECTION 5: IF CONDITIONS WORSEN
10. Know When to Escalate
Call 911 if:
• Life-threatening medical emergencies
• No heat in extreme cold
• Oxygen or medical equipment failure
Evacuate if:
• Structure becomes unsafe
• Heat cannot be restored
• Medical care cannot be sustained
SECTION 6: OWNER MINDSET DURING CRISIS
11. Lead with Calm Authority
• Do not panic
• Do not disappear
• Be visible and steady
• Make decisions early, not late
Your role right now:
• Protector
• Organizer
• Stabilizer
• Communicator
SECTION 7: POST-STORM CHECKLIST (WHEN SAFE)
• Assess residents for illness or injury
• Check pipes and structural damage
• Replenish supplies immediately
• Debrief staff
• Update emergency plans for future storms
❤️FINAL MESSAGE TO BUSINESS OWNERS & CARE PROVIDERS FROM Dee Dee DuPree
This is not about fear.
This is about responsibility, wisdom, preparation, and leadership.
If you operate a group home, assisted living, or supportive housing environment, people’s lives are in your hands.
Preparation today creates peace tomorrow.
You are not expected to be perfect—only prepared and present.
Specialized Placement Referral GROUP
All things Elder Care, Mental Health, Adult Daycare & Group Homes
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Prepare yourself and others!!
